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Tak Talk Blog- Camp Takajo – June 28, 2017

By June 28, 2017 January 4th, 2019 Tak Talk

Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine for boysToday was another beautiful day on Long Lake. Our weather at Camp Takajo has remained in the mid-seventies with beautiful sunshine and low humidity. It’s perfect weather for our daily program. The forecast indicates that temperatures will rise over the weekend, and a warm, humid front will move into our region. The change in temperature will perfectly coincide with changes in our program that will be occurring over the weekend.

Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine for boys

After a great week on the fields, we will look forward to spending the weekend on the waterfront as we approach July 4. Today, we introduced our boys to their “Takajo Families.” Shortly before dinner, our oldest boys in camp, the Okeechobees, were given a list of campers in each age group throughout the camp. Each Okee went to the bunk of an eighth grader to welcome him into their family. The two boys then went together to the bunk of a seventh grader, then a sixth grader, and so on, picking up family members along the way until they reached our youngest campers, the Crows, who are finishing first and second grades.

Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine for boysYou can only imagine the delight on the faces of our youngest boys when they are greeted by a member of their family from each older age group throughout camp. The families met in groups on the Senior Baseball Field, where the leader of the family introduced himself and spoke about the valuable traditions in camp. For our oldest boys, this responsibility is a right of passage. Many of them remember that feeling of being introduced as little boys to their older camp family members.

Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine for boysWhile many camps boast a “big brother” program, we prefer the concept of the Takajo Family, as it enables children to connect with boys in varying age groups. This creates a seamless bond throughout our community. After a series of introductions and icebreakers, each family went to a cookout together on the Commons Deck, overlooking the lake. As comforting as this experience was for our youngest boys, it was just as equally meaningful for our oldest campers, as they established their leadership roles at Camp Takajo.